Dubai has always fascinated the tourist world with its scintillating display of comfort, luxury, glitz, and diverse culture. This dazzling gem in the Middle East has been the envy of many tourist destinations worldwide. Discover the list of UAE public holidays 2025 to enjoy a serene experience and plan short getaways from the city. Keeping yourself updated with the public holidays in Dubai 2025 will always be beneficial, irrespective of whether you are a local or a visitor.
2025 Dubai Public Holidays
1. New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day is celebrated globally with great vigor and vividness. The grand fireworks are a sight in themselves. Many people flock to the Dubai shores just to witness this grand extravaganza. Iconic locations like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Desert Safari offer a great experience celebrating the New Year in grand style. Feel the festivities and the vibe in the atmosphere as it radiates in the population as part of the celebrations.
2. Eid Al Fitr (March 29 to April 1)
Eid al Fitr marks the end of the holy Ramadan month and is celebrated nationwide with amazing events and extravaganza. The four-day holiday gives ample opportunities for families to visit their loved ones, gather for celebratory events, and spend quality time with each other. The Dubai Mall hosts special events that cater to people from different spheres of life. If you wish to unwind from the busy city life, you can plan an exhilarating road trip to Khasab in Oman. Exploring the tranquil waters of the Musandam Peninsula gives you instant access to the area’s untamed mountains, fjords, underwater marine life, and dolphins from a novel angle.
3. Arafat Day (June 5)
Among the most sacred days in Islamic history, Arafat Day is part of the UAE public holidays 2025 list. It is mostly spent in prayer, reflection, solace, and peace. It marks the second day of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca approximately 70 days after Ramadan ends and one day before the Eid Al Adha festival. Mount Arafat is near the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, where Prophet Mohammed delivered his farewell sermon during his final pilgrimage. Prayers and sacrifices are offered by many Muslim followers and devotees atop Mount Arafat to seek repentance and forgiveness. This day emphasizes the spirit of empathy and compassion and is an integral day of contemplation and sacrifice.
4. Eid Al Adha (June 6 to 8)
Eid Al Adha honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son at God’s command. Celebrations in Dubai involve group prayers, feasts, and the ceremonial offering of animals. Families participate in the morning prayer ceremony at the mosque called Idgah. Gift exchanges between families promote unity and coordination among the society. The city’s overwhelming generosity and sharing culture are the core fundamentals of this auspicious occasion of Eid in 2025.
5. Islamic New Year (June 26)
This is the first day of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered the best time to reflect in peace and solitude. People can use this opportunity to improve themselves, make a fresh start, and be dedicated to personal development and inner healing. Many people spend time with their family and loved ones, attend religious ceremonies, or participate in spiritual events.
6. Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (September 4)
Mawlid al-Nabi, observed on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary. The community has another chance to come together in remembrance and devotion on the day of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Dubai’s colorful streets are adorned with ornaments and lights, fostering a sense of harmony and shared history.
7. Commemoration Day (December 1)
Commemoration Day, or the Marty’s Day, is celebrated in the honor of the courageous Emirati soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending this beautiful country. The festivities and the celebrations clearly highlight the importance of the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice that the brave men and women and their respective families had to bear. Several memorial events are hosted that comprise tours, silence, events, and flag-raising ceremonies.
8. UAE National Day (December 2 and 3)
This day marks tribute to the day formally the seven emirates unified into one thriving nation in 1971. It is a day for unity and patriotism and there multiple places to visit in Dubai during UAE National Day Holidays to commemorate the significant day. Dubai’s streets transform into a sea of red, white, green, and black with flags, decorations, patriotic representations, and amazing festivities. Magnificent fireworks displays further enhance the glittering skyline, symbolizing the pride that every citizen of this country has in unifying. Traditional performances, heritage activities, and cultural exhibitions are also part of the festivities.
Takeaway
You can plan your Dubai holiday or outing around these major events and festivals by keeping yourself updated with the list of public holidays in Dubai 2025. Determine these days in advance by narrowing them down by applying filters of Hijri, Western, and Gregorian calendars. The Western calendar fixes the dates for holidays. The Islamic lunar calendar, or Hijri calendar, determines the dates of Islamic holidays like Ramadan and other religious events or celebrations. The dates are approximate and subject to change due to moon sightings. No public holidays fall during the holy Ramadan month, as locals observe this month in prayer and peace.
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